Sox's Rienzo looks ahead

February 21, 2013|By Mark Gonzales | Tribune reporter

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- After striking out Dayan Viciedo and Tyler Flowers in an intrasquad game Thursday, Chicago White Sox prospect Andre Rienzo looked ahead to pitching in exhibition play before leaving for Japan to play in the World Baseball Classic for Team Brazil.

"I think (the WBC) is a good opportunity too,"said Rienzo, who will pitch in relief Monday against San Francisco in Scottsdale before leaving for Japan. "We play Japan and Cuba, Japan, the two-time champion, to me is the best team right now because they’re the champion. It’s a great opportunity for me to be there and throw. I think I’ll pitch in Japan and I’m glad to have the opportunity.

Rienzo, 24, admitted he was in awe in his first major league camp.

"You kind of don’t believe it," Rienzo said. "You see the guys on TV and now I see the guys’ lockers right there. It’s crazy to be here. I tried to enjoy it a lot. I hope to impress somebody."

Rienzo allowed two runs, one earned, in two innings. He allowed a single to Alexei Ramirez, and right fielder Trayce Thompson slipped while trying to catch Brent Morel's drive that went for a double.